ALSTON, William - 1890 Bio (1811-1896)

ALSTON, HAYES, VOUHN, VOTE, WILEY, STEWART

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/26/2007 at 18:38:51

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 295-296

William ALSTON, a retired farmer residing in Fairfield, was born in Lancastershire, England, September 29, 1811, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (HAYES) ALSTON, both of whom were natives of the same county, the father born in 1778, the mother in 1776. William ALSTON, Sr., was a cabinet maker by trade but made farming his chief occupation. He once came to America and for a short time remained in St. Louis, Mo., but not liking the country he returned to his native land, where he spent the remainder of his days. Both he and his wife died at the age of eighty-seven years. In their family were ten children, four sons and six daughters, but with the exception of our subject only one is living in the United States -- John, a retired farmer of Illinois. Edward came to this country and spent some time in California but returned to England.

William ALSTON, whose name heads this sketch, is a self-made man. As soon as he was old enough he began earning his own living and in consequence his educational advantages were quite limited. At the age of fifteen years, his father sent him to Liverpool to work for a month at the joiner's trade to see how he would like the business, that being the custom in those days, but not finding it to his taste he returned to the farm. By chance a pamphlet fell into his hands which was sent to England by a Mr. Flowers, who had come to America and located in Edwards County, Ill. This publication, like all others of its kind. told how easily one could make a fortune in this country, and with the hope of bettering his condition and rapidly acquiring wealth, in 1837 Mr. ALSTON set sail for the United States. On arriving in Edwards County, he found that he could get the chills much easier than a dollar. The following year he came to Iowa, locating in Van Buren County, and after engaging in the grocery business in Lexington for about a year, he once more changed his place of residence and settled in Fairfield in June of 1840, however. continuing operations in the same line of business. Soon afterward he made his first purchase in real estate. Buying a claim, he carried on farming in connection with his grocery, and as opportunity offered he would buy a land warrant, locate it and hold for an advance in prices. Tract after tract he added to the original amount until at length he owned some three thousand acres in this and surrounding counties, retaining still in his possession seven hundred and forty acres. Since 1858 he has devoted himself exclusively to farming and stockraising and has met with excellent success. Although he found that a fortune could not be acquired merely by coming to this country, he saw that one of industrious and energetic habits could make for homself a comfortable home, as land could be obtained from the Government at a nominal price.

On Christmas Day of 1843, Mr. ALSTON was united in marriage with Miss Ruth VOUHN, who died in November, 1863. Ten children were born unto them, four of whom were living at the time of her death, but only three are now living; William E., a farmer of this county; Mary, wife of Henry VOTE, and Henry C., who is also engaged in farming. In October, 1865, Mr. ALSTON was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jane WILEY nee STEWART, a native of Pennsylvania. She survived her marriage only seven years, dying in 1872.

In political sentiment, Mr. ALSTON was formerly a Whig and since the dissolution of that party has voted with the Democracy. He has never sought or desired office, but through the solicitation of friends twice served in the City Council. He ranks among the worthy citizens and leading men of the commuity, where for fifty years he has made his home, witnessing the many great changes which have taken place in the county and participating in its growth and development. Although living the quiet and unostentatious life of a farmer, he has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence and by his upright life has won the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.